Medical connectors and methods of use

ABSTRACT

A medical connector for use in a fluid pathway includes a substantially transparent housing having a proximal end with a proximal opening and a distal end with a distal opening, and a cavity extending therebetween. The connector provides a substantially visible fluid flow path extending through a substantial portion of the connector.

PRIORITY CLAIM AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/309,489, filed Jun. 19, 2014, pending, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/106,781, filed May12, 2011 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,758,306, issued Jun. 24, 2014), whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/345,554, filed May 17, 2010 (entitled “MEDICAL CONNECTOR WITH VISIBLEINTERNAL FLUID PATHWAY”) and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/392,426, filed Oct. 12, 2010 (entitled “MEDICAL CONNECTORS ANDMETHODS OF USE”), the entire disclosures of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

This application also hereby incorporates by reference the entiredisclosures of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/730,074 entitled“MEDICAL CONNECTORS AND METHODS OF USE”, filed on Mar. 23, 2010 (nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,454,579, issued Jun. 4, 2013), U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/924,494 entitled “MEDICAL CONNECTOR”, filed on Oct. 25, 2007(now U.S. Pat. No. 8,105,314, issued Jan. 31, 2012), and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/381,526 entitled “MEDICAL VALVE AND METHOD OFUSE”, filed on May 3, 2006 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,717,884, issued May 18,2010).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the invention relate generally to medical connectorsthrough which fluids flow, and in particular, to self-sealing medicalconnectors.

2. Description of the Related Art

Closeable medical connectors or valves are useful in the administrationof fluids in hospital and medical settings. They are often used toselectively open and close fluid pathways, and in particular for use intreating patients.

SUMMARY OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a closed, patient accesssystem which can automatically reseal after administering fluid,medicaments, or other suitable substances (hereinafter, collectivelyreferred to as “fluid”) using a medical implement that connects orcommunicates with the system. A two-way valve can be employed, utilizinga reusable seal that may be repeatedly opened. The valve can facilitatethe transfer of fluid, particularly liquid, while maintaining sterility.Before and after use, the valve can be swabbed in a conventional mannerwith a suitable substance to maintain sterility.

Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a medical connector havingtransparent features that allow direct optical view of the fluid, ormedicament, or bodily fluid, being transferred through the medicalconnector. In some embodiments, the connector includes a body memberhaving a transparent wall with smooth inner and outer surfaces toprovide a relatively distortion free optical view of the fluid level andfluid flow transferred through the connector. In some embodiments, theconnector further includes a valve member and a base member having asupport.

Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a medical connector having abackflow resistance module configured to prevent fluid from being drawninto the connector when a backflow inducing event occurs (e.g., asyringe rebound, a syringe disconnection, etc.). In some embodiments,the backflow resistance module can include a variable volume chamberconfigured to change in volume in response to a backflow-inducing eventand a check valve configured to resist backflow. In some embodiments,the medical connector can include a fluid diverter configured to directfluid flowing through the medical connector into the variable volumechamber to prevent fluid stagnation therein. In some embodiments, themedical connector includes a body member, a base member, a seal member,a support member, and a valve member.

In accordance with another embodiment, a medical connector for use in afluid pathway comprises a first portion having a first end and a secondend, the first portion being substantially transparent, and a secondportion having a first end and a second end, the first end of the secondportion adjacent the second end of the first portion. The connectorincludes a first valve member having a first end and a second end, thefirst valve member disposed substantially within the first portion,wherein a substantially straight fluid flow path within the firstportion and the second portion is visible through an external surface ofthe first portion and the second portion.

In accordance with another embodiment, a medical connector for use in afluid pathway comprises a substantially transparent housing having aproximal end with a proximal opening and a distal end with a distalopening, and a cavity extending therebetween. The connector includes asubstantially transparent valve member disposed substantially within thehousing, and having a proximal end that substantially fills the housingproximal opening. The valve includes a proximal opening that is biasedclosed to obstruct fluid flow therethrough. The valve member isconfigured to selectively seal the housing proximal opening and toobstruct fluid communication between the housing proximal end and thehousing distal end when the valve member is provided in a first positionand to facilitate fluid communication between the housing proximal endand the housing distal end when the valve member is provided in a secondposition. The connector includes a support member configured to besubstantially transparent and received within the valve member. Thesupport includes an inner conduit that extends from adjacent a proximaltip portion having at least one opening that extends through the supportmember to the inner conduit to a distal end of the support member. Thesupport member selectively facilitates fluid communication between thehousing proximal end and the housing distal end. In some embodiments,the fluid communication between the housing proximal end and the housingdistal end is established when the tip portion and at least a portion ofthe at least one opening protrude proximally through the valve proximalopening. A fluid flow path facilitates the fluid communication betweenthe housing proximal end and the housing distal end and is visiblethrough at least a portion of each of the transparent housing, thetransparent valve member, and the transparent support member.

In accordance with another embodiment, a method of transferring fluidfrom a first medical implement to a second medical implement comprisesproviding a medical connector having a transparent housing with aproximal end and a proximal opening and a distal end and a distalopening. The connector includes a transparent flexible valve memberdisposed substantially within a cavity of the housing and with a valvemember proximal end that substantially fills a portion of the cavityproximate the proximal opening. The valve includes an aperture adjacentthe valve member proximal end. The connector further includes atransparent substantially hollow rigid support member configured to bereceived within the valve member and having an opening adjacent aproximal end of the support member. The flexible valve member ispositionable between a first position that prevents fluid communicationthrough the valve aperture and a second position that facilitates fluidcommunication through the valve aperture. The method includes couplingthe housing proximal end to a first medical implement wherein a distalend of the first medical implement enters the housing proximal openingand may further include coupling the housing distal end to a secondmedical implement. The method further includes displacing the valvemember by distally delivering the first medical implement within thehousing and pushing a proximal end of the support member through thevalve aperture, establishing fluid communication between the firstmedical implement and the second medical implement. As fluid flowsbetween the first medical implement and the second medical implement,the fluid communication is optically visible through at least a portionof each of the transparent housing, the transparent valve member, andthe transparent support.

In accordance with another embodiment, a medical connector comprises ahousing configured to be substantially transparent and having a proximalopening adjacent a proximal end and a distal opening adjacent a distalend, and a fluid communication cavity extending therebetween. A firstvalve member can be disposed substantially within the housing andconfigured to be substantially transparent, and includes a proximalopening that is biased closed to obstruct fluid flow therethrough. Thevalve member is configured to obstruct fluid communication between thehousing proximal end and the housing distal end when the valve member isprovided in a first position and to facilitate fluid communicationbetween the housing proximal end and the housing distal end when thevalve member is provided in a second position. The connector includes asupport member configured to be substantially transparent and to bereceived within the valve member, and having an inner conduit thatextends from adjacent a proximal tip portion having at least one openingthat extends through the support member to the inner conduit to a distalend of the support member. The support is configured to selectivelyfacilitate fluid communication between the housing proximal end and thehousing distal end, wherein the fluid communication between the housingproximal end and the housing distal end is established when the tipportion and at least a portion of the opening protrude through the valveproximal opening. The connector further includes a second valve memberdisposed substantially within the housing and configured to besubstantially transparent, and having a proximal opening and a distalopening, and a wall member extending between the proximal opening andthe distal opening. The wall deflects when a pressure differentialbetween a proximal side of the second valve distal opening and a distalside of the second valve distal opening exceeds a predeterminedthreshold. A fluid flow path establishing the fluid communicationbetween the housing proximal end and the housing distal end is visiblethrough at least a portion of each of the transparent housing, thetransparent valve member, and the transparent support member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments of the invention will now be discussed in detailwith reference to the following figures. These figures are provided forillustrative purposes only, and embodiments of the invention are notlimited to the subject matter illustrated in the figures.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration showing an embodiment of a connectorbeing used to inject fluids into the blood stream of a patient's arm.

FIG. 2A is a proximal perspective view of an embodiment of a valve orneedleless connector.

FIG. 2B is a distal perspective view of the embodiment of the connectorshown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is a proximal exploded view of the embodiment of the connectorshown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 4 is a distal exploded view of the embodiment of the connectorshown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 5 is an exploded section view of the embodiment of the connectorshown in FIG. 2A, taken through the axial centerline of the connector.

FIG. 6 is a section view of the embodiment of the connector shown inFIG. 2A, showing the seal member in a first or closed position beforethe seal member has been contacted and opened by a medical implement,such as the illustrated example of a syringe.

FIG. 7 is a section view of the embodiment of the connector shown inFIG. 2A, showing the seal member in a second or open position after theseal member has been contacted and opened by the syringe.

FIG. 7A is a front view of the embodiment of the connector shown in FIG.2A, showing the seal member in an open position and fluid flow visiblethrough the transparent walls of the body, seal, and support.

FIG. 8 is a section view of the embodiment of the connector shown inFIG. 2A, showing the seal member in an open position and the plunger ofthe syringe advanced to the bottom surface of the syringe.

FIG. 9 is a section view of the embodiment of the connector shown inFIG. 2A, showing the seal member in an open position and the syringeafter the plunger of the syringe has rebounded away from the bottomsurface of the syringe.

FIG. 10 is a section view of the embodiment of the connector shown inFIG. 2A, showing the seal member in the first position after the syringehas been removed from the connector.

FIG. 10A is a front view of the embodiment of the connector shown inFIG. 2A, showing the seal member in the first position after the syringehas been removed from the connector.

FIG. 11A is a proximal perspective view of another embodiment of a valveor needleless connector.

FIG. 11B is a distal perspective view of the embodiment of the connectorshown in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12 is a proximal exploded view of the embodiment of the connectorshown in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 13 is a distal exploded view of the embodiment of the connectorshown in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 14 is an exploded section view of the embodiment of the connectorshown in FIG. 11A, taken through the axial centerline of the connector.

FIG. 15 is a section view of the embodiment of the connector shown inFIG. 11A, showing the seal member in a first or closed position beforethe seal member has been contacted and opened by the syringe.

FIG. 16 is a section view of the embodiment of the connector shown inFIG. 11A, showing the seal member in a second or open position after theseal member has been contacted and opened by the syringe.

FIG. 17 is a section view of the embodiment of the connector shown inFIG. 11A, showing the seal member in an open position and the plunger ofthe syringe advanced to the bottom surface of the syringe.

FIG. 17A is a front view of the embodiment of the connector shown inFIG. 11A, showing the seal member in an open position, the plunger ofthe syringe advanced to the bottom surface of the syringe, and fluidflow visible through the transparent wall of the body, seal, andsupport.

FIG. 18 is a section view of the embodiment of the connector shown inFIG. 11A, showing the seal member in an open position and the syringeafter the plunger of the syringe has rebounded away from the bottomsurface of the syringe.

FIG. 19 is a section view of the embodiment of the connector shown inFIG. 11A, showing the seal member in the first position after thesyringe has been removed from the connector.

FIG. 19A is a front view of the embodiment of the connector shown inFIG. 11A, showing the seal member in the first position after thesyringe has been removed from the connector and fluid in the connectorvisible through the transparent wall of the body, seal, and support.

FIG. 20 is a front view of another embodiment of a connector showing aseal member in a first position after a syringe has been removed fromthe connector and fluid has been injected through the connector, whereinfluid in a portion of the connector is visible.

FIG. 21 is a front view of another embodiment of a connector showing aseal member in a first position after a syringe has been removed fromthe connector and fluid has been injected through the connector, whereinfluid in a portion of the connector is visible.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description is now directed to certain specificembodiments of the disclosure. In this description, reference is made tothe drawings wherein like parts are designated with like numeralsthroughout the description and the drawings.

A variety of closing mechanisms are shown for closing one or more endportions of the needlefree connectors described herein. These closingmechanisms can function to substantially prevent and/or impede fluidfrom passing through the end portions of the connector when the closingmechanisms or valves are in a closed position. When the closingmechanisms are in an open position, such as when the connector isengaged with a needleless syringe or other medical connector, fluid canbe permitted to pass through one or more end portions of the connectors.As used herein, terms such as “closed” or “sealed” and variants thereofshould be understood to refer to obstructions or barriers to fluid flow.These terms should not be understood to require that a particularstructure or configuration achieves a complete fluid closure in allcircumstances.

In some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, a variety ofstructures and functions are shown and described for controlling andobserving the fluid flow of medicaments or the like through medicalconnectors described herein. For example, it may be desirable tovisually observe in real-time the fluid flow and/or the fluid positionthrough the medical connector. Direct optical sight of the internalfluid can readily identify fluid leaks at sealing surfaces,contamination, residual fluids, blood, or the like, and minimize therisk of fouling the connector and thus requiring removal andreplacement. As used herein, the terms “transparent” or “clear” andvariants thereof should be understood to refer to the ability tosubstantially observe or see through a material or an object. Theseterms should not be understood to require that a particular structure orconfiguration achieves a completely undistorted view through thematerial or object in all circumstances.

In some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, a variety ofstructures are shown and described for controlling the flow of fluid andthe passage of particles at a proximal inlet, or proximal opening, of amedical connector. A reusable medical connector requires repeatedsterilization, for example, by conventional swabbing before inserting orafter removing a medical implement to disinfect the silicone sealsurface. Each swab sterilization procedure risks introducingcontaminants to the internal portion, or cavity, of the medicalconnector to create a non-sterile condition, potentially inhibiting thepurpose of the intended sterilization of the connector.

In some aspects of embodiments disclosed herein, a variety of structuresare shown and described for controlling the flow of fluid inside aconnector. These fluid control valves or mechanisms can facilitate thecontrol of potentially undesirable fluid movement out of or into theconnector. For example, it may be desirable to prevent, inhibit, ordiminish negative flow or fluid ingress into the connector. As usedherein, negative flow, retrograde flow, backflow, ingress flow, andrelated terms are used in accordance with their customary meanings inthe medical connector field. In some cases, these terms refer to theflow of fluid into the connector due to an increase or effectiveincrease in the internal volume of the fluid space within the connector,or due to an external draw or removal of fluid (such as by withdrawal ofa portion of a medical implement, e.g. a syringe, or the like,previously inserted into the connector), or due to an external source offluid pressure in a general retrograde direction, such as that caused bya patient's cough, or by an increase in a patient's blood pressure, orby disturbances in a fluid source (e.g., fluid volume in an IV bagdiminishing or “running dry”), etc. Negative flow generally occurs in adirection generally opposite from or opposed to an intended flow offluid into a patient.

One example of a source of negative flow occurs when a medicalimplement, such as a syringe, is removed from the proximal end, alsoreferred to herein as the first or female end of the connector. As thesyringe is removed, the fluid holding space inside the connector mayincrease. When that fluid space is in communication with a patient'sfluid line catheter, the increase in fluid space inside the connectormay draw fluid from the catheter into the connector from the distal end,also referred to herein as second or male end of the connector. This canbe disadvantageous because negative flow can thereby draw blood from thepatient into the opposite, or downstream, or patient, end of thecatheter line. Such blood in the line can clot or otherwise foul theline, possibly requiring premature replacement and reinsertion of thecatheter line, the connector, and/or other medical implements. Othersources of negative flow can be caused by a pump machine or a manualsyringe due to springback of compressed rubber, or sealing, componentsof the pump or syringe that creates a void upon release of pressure thatis capable of being filled with fluid from the catheter.

Some embodiments can generally provide optical clarity of the fluid flowwithin the internal cavities of a medical connector. Some embodimentscan generally eliminate, diminish, minimize, or control the risk ofcontamination during sterilization of the connector ends. Someembodiments can generally eliminate, diminish, minimize, or control theeffect of some or all sources of negative flow. Although thefunctionality of some of the embodiments disclosed herein is discussedin connection with a single source of negative flow (e.g., syringerebound), it should be understood that many sources of negative flow canbe eliminated, diminished, minimized, or controlled in similar oridentical ways.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration showing an embodiment of a connector10 being used to inject a fluid into the blood stream of a patient'sarm. Embodiments of the connectors disclosed herein can generally alsobe used to withdraw fluid from the blood stream of a patient's arm. Inother words, the connector 10 can be configured for a wide range ofmedical applications, and is not meant to be limited to the useillustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the connector 10 can bejoined with a proximal end of a conduit 212 with the other, distal, endof the conduit 212 being in communication with a patient's 214bloodstream. In this configuration, a syringe 200 can be inserted intothe connector 10 so as to open a seal member 60, or a dynamic seal, ofthe connector 10. When the dynamic seal member 60 is in an openposition, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the fluid from a syringe 200 can betransferred through the connector 10 and conduit 212 and into thepatient's vasculature.

The syringe 200 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 7-11 is an example of onetype of medical implement that can be used with the connector 10.However, the connector 10 can be configured for use with a wide range ofmedical implements and is not limited to use with the example of thesyringe 200 illustrated. The syringe 200 can be any suitable or commonmedical syringe used in the medical field. The connector 10 provides aconvenient reusable and sterile connection device for a wide variety ofmedical implements that can be necessary to adequately treat the patient214.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of an embodiment of an assembly ofa valve or needleless connector 10 that can be implemented to, forexample, deliver medicaments to and/or extract bodily fluids from, apatient. FIGS. 3 and 4 are exploded views of the embodiment of theconnector 10 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. FIG. 5 is an explodedcross-sectional view of the connector 10 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Withreference to FIGS. 2-5, some embodiments of the needleless connector 10can include, inter alia, a body member 20, the seal member 60, a basemember 90, and a support member 94 that can be a portion of the basemember 90. The proximal portion of the body member 20, or first portionof the connector, can define a connector proximal end 22 and the distalportion of the base 90, or second portion of the connector, can define aconnector distal end 124.

The term “proximal” is used herein to denote the end of the connector 10at or near the body member 20 end of the connector. The term “distal” isused to denote the opposite end of the connector, e.g., the end of theconnector 10 at or near the end of the base member 90. In theillustrated embodiment, the proximal end is configured as a female endand the distal end is configured as a male end. Any of the end portions,fittings, or other aspects of the connector 10 can be configured toaccommodate any standard medical connector or implement, and can beconfigured to conform with ANSI (American National Standards Institute,Washington, D.C.) or other applicable standards. The term “medicalimplement” is used herein to denote any medical device commonly used inthe medical field that can be connected or joined with any embodimentsof the connectors disclosed herein. Examples of medical implements thatare contemplated include, without limitation, tubing, luers, conduits,syringes, intravenous devices (both peripheral and central lines),closable male luer connectors (both integrally formed with a syringe orindependent connectors), pumps, piggyback lines, and other componentswhich can be used in connection with a medical valve or connector.

In the illustrated embodiment, the body member 20 and the base member 90can be assembled together to form a housing that substantially enclosesthe seal member 60, or first valve member, and the support member 94. Inone embodiment, the distal end of the body 20 can overlap the proximalend of the base 90. The support member 94 can include an elongateportion 118, or blunt cannula, or rigid support, which protrudesproximally and can be configured to receive the seal 60. The seal 60 canmove axially, or longitudinally in a proximal to distal or distal toproximal direction about the elongate portion 118 within the housingformed by the body 20 and the base 90. The connector 10 can include avalve mechanism with a dynamic seal capability that is establishedbetween the engagement of the seal 60 and the elongate portion 118 thatcan have an open position and a closed position. The connector proximalend can receive a medical implement which can distally urge and compressthe seal 60 about the elongate portion 118 to open the valve mechanismof the connector 10 and establish a fluid flow path through a radialopening 100 in the elongate portion 118. The fluid flow path can bedirected from the medical implement into the elongate portion 118,through the base 20, and out an opening adjacent the distal end 124. Thevalve mechanism can be in a closed position when the seal 60 is extendedover and covers, or encapsulates, the substantially full length of theelongate portion 118. The features of the body member 20, the sealmember 60, the base member 90, the support member 94, the elongateportion 118, and the assembly therebetween are described in furtherdetail below.

In some embodiments, the body member 20 can include a proximal end 22,or first end, and a distal end 24, or second end, with the body 20extending therebetween. The body includes an outer surface 46 and aninner surface 44. The body can be transparent, or substantiallytransparent, such that objects or things positioned on the inside, oropposing side, of the body 20 are visible when viewed through thematerial of the body 20. The transparent body 20 facilitates viewing ofthe fluid medicament being delivered to, or bodily fluid being extractedfrom, the patient through the connector 10. In some embodiments, asubstantially straight fluid flow path within the body 20 and the base90 is visible through the external surface of the body and the base.

The proximal end 22 can have outwardly extending external threads 26 sothat the connector 10 can be configured to couple, or be threadinglyjoined, to a male end of a standard luer connector or other suitablemedical implements. In some embodiments, the outer surface 46 of theproximal end portion 22 can be smooth and generally cylindrical.

The body member 20 can have an annular ridge or protrusion 50 formedaround an outside surface 46 of the body member 20 adjacent to theproximal end 22 of the body member 20. The protrusion 50 can beconfigured to engage a threaded collar or shroud (not shown) that may beincluded on a luer lock type syringe coupled onto the external threads26, to prevent or inhibit over insertion of the syringe into theconnector.

The body 20 can further include a proximal opening 28 disposed at theproximal end 22, and a distal opening 30 disposed at the distal end 24.In some embodiments, the proximal opening 28 is smaller than the distalopening 30. The body 20 can include a cavity 42, or passageway, in theinternal portion of the body, and extending from the proximal end 22 tothe distal end 24. The cavity 42 defines a passageway extending betweenthe proximal opening 28 and the distal opening 30, such that an openingextends all the way through a longitudinal length of the body 20. Thetransparent body 20 material provides a clear optical view of theinternal features of the body 20. For example, as illustrated in FIGS.2A-B, the internal features of the seal member 60 and the support 94 canbe viewed from outside of the body 20 through the outer surface 46.

In some embodiments, the cavity 42 is generally round, or cylindrical,and can include a plurality of different diameters at differentlongitudinal locations of the body 22. For example, in one embodiment,the proximal inner diameter of the body 20, or the cavity 42, can have afirst diameter at the proximal end and transition at a predeterminedlongitudinal location to a second, larger diameter for the remaininglongitudinal length of the body 20 to the distal end 24. In someembodiments, the inner diameter of the cavity 42 can have more than twodiameters. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the cavity 42 canbe tapered for at least a portion of the longitudinal length. In someembodiments, the cavity 42 can include a plurality of different sizedtapered portions, having different angled surfaces. In some embodiments,the cavity can have curved internal surfaces extending longitudinally.In some embodiments, the change in diameter can be smooth and blended toprovide optical clarity through the transparent body wall. In someembodiments, the change in diameters can be abrupt and/or discontinuouswith sharp or semi-sharp changes in surface geometry and providetransparent optical clarity of the internal features of the connector.In some embodiments, the cross-section geometry of the cavity 42, normalto the longitudinal axis, can have a shape other than circular or round,e.g. oval, polygonal, or the like, with corresponding changes ininternal cross sectional areas along the longitudinal axis as describedin detail above.

With continued reference to FIGS. 5-10, a proximal portion of the cavity42 can establish a neck portion 32, or sealing surface, of the internalsurface 44 of the body 20. The internal surface 44 can be substantiallysmooth for a portion of the first end, or proximal end, of the body 20to facilitate the inner portion of the body 20 being visible through theexternal surface. The internal surface 44 can extend generally along thelongitudinal direction of the connector 10 to facilitate the movement ofthe seal member 60 therein. The neck portion 32 is generally a tapereddiameter along the longitudinal axis of the body 20 consistent withindustry standards. In some embodiments, the mating sealing feature, alip 66 of the seal 60, remains in contact with the cavity 42, or neckportion 32, internal surfaces.

The smooth internal surface 44 can provide an area, or a volume, for theseal member 60 to collapse into when the seal compresses longitudinally.The smooth surface area also provides a radially limiting contactsurface for the seal member 60 when the seal moves, or expands, radiallyoutward within the housing.

The proximal portion of the cavity 42 can include a radial projection36, or a shoulder, or an inward transition, or an inward protrusion,which defines a change in the inner diameter of the body 20, or thecavity 42. The shoulder 36 defines the transition from a larger distalinner diameter to a smaller proximal inner diameter of the cavity 42.The transition of the shoulder can be angled, or tapered, relative tothe longitudinal axis of the body 20. The shoulder 36 provides aphysical stop, or retention means, for a portion of the seal member 60in the connector 10 assembly, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The shoulderinward protrusion can transition from the body 20 larger diameter middleportion to the smaller neck portion 32 inner diameter. A suitablelongitudinal position of the shoulder 36 can locate a proximal flangeface 63 of the seal 60 on the same, or substantially same, plane as thebody 20 proximal end face 48 to ease the swabability of the connector.The shoulder 36 can prevent the seal 60 from protruding beyond the bodyproximal end face 48, to provide a consistent positioning of the seal 60relative to the end of the body 20.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 2-5, the body distal end 24 isshown with a plurality of channels 40 and an annular groove 38 disposedon the inner surface 44 of the cavity 42. The channels 40, or notches,extend longitudinally, or axially, about the distal portion 24 of thebody 20. The plurality of channels 40 can be evenly spacedcircumferentially about the inner surface 44 of the body 20. In someembodiments, the channels 40 can be spaced any suitable circumferentialdistance from one another. The channels 40 can be positioned proximallyto the annular channel 38. The one or more channels 40, or notches, canbe configured to receive the one or more protrusions 112 formed on thebase member 90, which are described in greater detail below. Theprotrusions 112 and the notches 40 can be configured to join, or mate,or engage, one another to substantially prevent the body member 20 fromrotating relative to the base member 90, thereby providing a more securecoupling, or joint, between the body member 20 and the base member 90.

The annular channel 38, or groove, extends around the inner surface 44circumference of the cavity 42 adjacent the distal end 24, and can bepositioned distal to the channels 40. The annular groove 38 can beconfigured to receive an annular protrusion 96 disposed about the basemember 90 outer surface, which is described in greater detail below. Theannular channel 38 lies substantially about a plane that is generallynormal to the body 20 longitudinal axis. The annular channel 38 and theannular protrusion 96 can be configured to join, or mate, or engage, oneanother to provide a snap-fit type connection between the body member 20and the base member 90. In this configuration, when the body member 20has been joined with the base member 90 (as is illustrated in FIGS. 2A-Band 6-10), the annular channel 38 and the annular protrusion 96substantially prevent the body member 20 from becoming disconnected fromthe base member 90. The base 90 and the body 20 are preferablytransparent to provide a visual indicator of the integrity of theconnector assembly. Many other structures and methods of attachment ofthese components can also be used, including the use of sonic welding oradhesives or the like.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the longitudinal length ofthe hollow body 20 has a constant thickness wall. A constant wallthickness can provide a minimally distorted view of the interior cavity42. In some embodiments, the body 20 can have a constant wall thicknessfor the full longitudinal length. In some embodiments, the variouslongitudinal portions include differing wall thicknesses with minimaleffect on the optical clarity of the interior volume of the cavity 42.

The body member 20 and any other components or features of the connector10 can be constructed from any of a number of suitable materials. Forexample, the body member 20 or any other suitable components or featuresof the connector 10 can be constructed from a relatively rigidtransparent material, such as polycarbonate, glassed-filled GE Valox420, polypropylene, other polymeric material, or the like, or anycombination thereof. The body member 20, or any other suitablecomponents or features of the connector 10, can also be constructed of atransparent hydrophobic material, such as Bayer Makrolon, or any othersimilar or suitable material. One or more components of the connector 10or any other connector disclosed herein can include a suitableantimicrobial agent in any appropriate form, such as a componentcoating, as a part of the component matrix, or in any other suitablemanner. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent may leach from oroff one or more of the components during use or over time. In someembodiments, the antimicrobial agent can include a silver ion.

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate an embodiment of the seal member 60 in explodedperspective and cross-section views of the connector 10 shown in FIG.2A-B. The pliable, or deformable, transparent seal 60 can include aproximal end 62, a distal end 78, and a seal body 84 extendingtherebetween. The proximal end 62 can include a proximal flange 64, theproximal face 63, the lip 66, and a slit 70. The distal end 78 caninclude a distal flange 74, an outer surface 76, and a distal opening82. The seal 60 can further include a hollow interior, or passageway, orconduit, which extends axially, or longitudinally, from the slit 70disposed in the enclosing proximal face 63 to the distal opening 82. Thebody 84 can further include a protrusion, or set of prongs, or collar 72that is disposed about the outer diameter of the seal 60 and protrudesradially outward therefrom. The collar 72 can generally be positionedadjacent the seal proximal end 62. The seal 60 is generally transparent,and the internal conduit of the seal can be visible such that fluidand/or elongate portion 118 are substantially visible.

In some embodiments, as in the illustrated embodiment, the seal proximalend portion 62 can include the lip portion 66, or annular protrusion,which can have various geometric shapes formed thereon, e.g.rectangular, square, radiused, chamfered, or the like, or anycombination thereof. The lip 66 can define the outermost radial portionof the seal proximal flange 64. The lip 66 can be a sealing feature ofthe proximal end 62, and can establish a sealing interface with themating surface of the body neck 32.

With reference to FIGS. 2-6, the seal member 60 can be configured suchthat the seal proximal end portion 62, or first end, can be received bythe opening 28, or the neck 32, disposed in the proximal end 22 of thebody member 20. The annular lip 66 can be configured to contact theinside surface of the body 20 adjacent the opening 28, or the neckportion 32, to provide a seal therewith. The deformable seal 60 proximalend 62 can have an over-sized diameter, or any shape corresponding tothe body 20 geometry, that is slightly larger than the inner diameter ofthe neck 32 and can establish an interference fit between the seal 60and the body 20. The deformable seal 60 can be radially compressed tofit in the body 20 and can exert a radially outward sealing force thatresists the radial inward compression. The seal proximal end 62 can fillthe proximal opening 28 of the body 20 and seal, or isolate, the cavity42 from the external environment, and promote a sterile connectorinternal volume. In some embodiments, the first valve member, or seal60, can be disposed substantially within the first portion of theconnector, or the body 20. The lip 66 can provide a seal therewith whichgenerally resists the ingress of particulates or fluids into theconnector, in particular any contaminants that might enter the connectorduring the repeated sterilization wipes of the seal face 63 and body endface 48. In some embodiments, the proximal end 22 of the body member 20may include one or more grooves or recesses, not shown, configured topermit air or fluid to flow around the proximal end portion 62 of theseal member 60.

The seal proximal flange 64 can include the flat, or substantially flat,face 63 that encloses the proximal end 62 and can be generallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the seal. The slit 70, or sealfirst end opening, can be disposed in the proximal face 63. The proximalflange face 63 can establish the proximal most surface of the seal 60.The proximal flange face 63 can be positioned adjacent the proximal end22 of the body 20 such that the seal flange face 63 and the bodyproximal flange 48 are substantially co-planar. In some embodiments, theface 63 can be any geometric shape, e.g. spherical, parabolic, or thelike, or any combination thereof, rather than substantially flat.

The seal 60 proximal end 62 can include the collar 72, or prongs, thatprotrude radially outward from the outer surface of the seal. The collar72 can extend around the full circumference of the seal 60, or a portionthereof, e.g. one, two, three, or four, or more, individual prongportions of a collar spaced about the circumference of the seal 60, forexample, equally spaced around the circumference, or the like.Controlling the number of projections forming the collar 72 allowsmanipulation of the force required to open the connector. The gaps, orareas of thinner thickness, facilitate movement of the seal 60 along theelongate member 118 as the thicker projections resist expansion aroundthe elongate member 118.

The collar 72 outer diameter can generally be smaller than the internaldiameter of the middle portion of the body 20, but generally larger thanthe internal diameter of the neck 32, proximal opening 28, and internalcavity 42 adjacent the proximal end 22 of the body 20. The collar 72 canbe configured to engage the body shoulder 36 and limit the axialextension or movement of the seal proximal end flange face 63. Thecollar 72, seal 60, and body 20 can be configured to position the flangeface 63 at a substantially coplanar position relative the body proximalend face 48. The seal 60 and the body 20 can be configured toconsistently and repeatedly align the seal proximal face 63 with thebody end face 48 when the seal 60 returns to a biased extended length.The collar 72 distal surface can have a geometry that corresponds to thegeometry of the shoulder 36, e.g. angled, radius, chamfered, or thelike, or any combination thereof.

The distal end 78 of the seal member 60 can include an opening 82. Insome embodiments, the opening 82 can be configured to receive thesupport member 94. In some embodiments, the distal end 78 furtherincludes an outwardly extending flange 74 extending around orsubstantially around the seal member 60. The flange 74 can facilitateplacement of the seal member 60 within the internal cavity of the bodymember 20 in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the seal distalflange 74 engages a support portion 94 disposed about the base 90.

The seal member 60 can be configured so that the slit 70, or first endopening, is biased to a closed position, so as to substantially preventor inhibit liquid from flowing through the slit 70 formed in the sealmember 60. Additionally, in some embodiments, as will be described ingreater detail below, the slit 70 can be opened by delivering anelongate member, needle, protrusion, or the like, through the slit toseparate the two biased side edges of the slit. In some embodiments, theslit 70 can be opened by distally compressing the seal member 60proximal end 62 toward the seal distal end 78, wherein the seal proximalend 62 may slide over the elongate member 118 of the support member 94,causing at least a portion of the proximal end portion of the elongatemember 118 to penetrate and pass through the slit 70. In someembodiments, the slit 70 can be configured to open without the supportmember 94 penetrating therethrough.

The seal member 60 can have a tapered resilient body portion 84 having avaried geometry, including bellows, convolutes, generallyaccordion-like, generally wave-like, generally alternating, or generallyundulating contour shape configured to facilitate resilient compressionand expansion of the seal member 60 as axial forces are applied to andremoved from, respectively, the proximal end portion 62 of the sealmember 60. In some embodiments, the body portion 84 can include a seriesof generally circular or o-ring shaped structures integrally formedtogether or separately formed and bonded together, or one or more groovestructures oriented generally transverse to the axial direction ofcompression and expansion. These structures and contours can vary indiameter or cross-sectional shape and/or size. In some embodiments, thestructures or contours can extend alternately generally inwardly andoutwardly in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis of the seal member 60, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 3-6. Thestructure or contours can be formed in many configurations, such as in ahelical configuration, or the like. In some embodiments, the geometry ofthe inner diameter will follow or coincide with the geometry of theouter diameter such that the thickness of the seal member wall can besubstantially similar. In some embodiments, the geometry of the innerdiameter is different than the geometry of the outer diameter such thatthe thickness of the seal member wall varies along the length of theseal member 60.

In some embodiments, the inside surface of the seal body 84 canapproximately match the outside surface of the seal body 84 such thatthe inside surface of the seal body 84 can have the structure or contourdescribed elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, the seal 60 convolutes80 can have a substantially constant wall thickness. In someembodiments, the inside surface of the seal body 84 can generally extendradially inward when the corresponding portion of the outer surface ofthe seal body 84 extends radially outward, and the inside surface of theseal body 84 can generally extend radially outward when thecorresponding portion of the outer surface extends radially inward.Thus, the seal body 84 can comprise a series of bulges, wherein the sealbody 84 wall thickness alternates between thick and thin regions, asshown, for example, in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, the inside surfaceof the seal body 84 can generally extend radially inward when thecorresponding portion of the outer surface of the seal body 84 extendsradially inward, and the inside surface of the seal body 84 cangenerally extend radially outward when the corresponding portion of theouter surface extends radially outward. Thus, the seal body 84 cancomprise a series of curved segments, wherein the wall of the seal body84 has a more uniform thickness. In some embodiments, the inside surfaceof the seal body 84 can have a relatively smooth or flat surfacecontour.

The seal body 84 can have a generally consistent cross-sectional shapeor size along the longitudinal length thereof, or the cross-sectionalshape or size of the seal body 84 can vary along at least a portion ofthe longitudinal length thereof. In some embodiments, the shape of theinside of the seal body 84 can approximately match the outside surfaceof the elongate portion 118 of the support member 94. In someembodiments, the seal body 84 comprises a distal section 84 a having agenerally conical interior and exterior shape, and a proximal section 84b having a generally cylindrical interior and exterior shape. Manyvariations are possible, e.g. a cylindrical distal section and a conicalproximal section, more than two sections having different geometricshapes, or the like.

The seal member 60 can be configured so that the seal body 84 is biasedto an initial longitudinally, or axially, expanded first position, asillustrated in FIGS. 2-5. The convolute geometry of the seal 60 outerand/or inner surfaces can provide the spring-like bias of the expandedposition. The convolutes allow seal 60 to longitudinally compress whenthe seal 60 is under longitudinally compressive loading. When an axialforce is exerted on the seal member 60, the proximal end portion 62and/or the seal body 84 can be caused to compress to a second positionand, hence, axially retract so as to shorten the overall length of theseal member 60. When the axial force is removed from the seal member 60,the seal proximal end portion 62 and/or the seal body 84 can extendagain as a result of the spring-like bias so as to return the sealmember 60 to its initial or relaxed state. The bias of the convolutescan return the seal 60 to an unloaded, or at rest, expandedconfiguration when the compressive loading is removed. Although the sealmember 60 can return to its relaxed state in a first or closed valveposition, the seal member 60 can remain under some level of compressionin the connector assembly, such as, for example, where the lip 66 of theproximal end portion 62 engages an inner surface or surfaces of the bodymember 20 under some degree of axial tension, or where the seal collar72 engages the body shoulder 36.

The seal member 60, the proximal end portion 62 of the seal member 60,and the lip portion 66 can be integrally formed or can be separatelyformed and adhered or otherwise joined together using adhesive or anysuitable material or method. In some embodiments, the seal member 60 orany other embodiment of a seal or seal member disclosed herein and anyof the components or features thereof can be constructed from a numberof different suitable materials, including silicone-based deformablematerials, rubbers, or other suitable materials. Silicone-baseddeformable materials are among those that form fluid-tight closures withplastics and other rigid polymeric materials.

The seal member 60 or any other seal member disclosed herein can beformed from one, two, or more different materials. In some embodiments,different portions of the seal member 60 can be formed from differentmaterials. For example, the seal member 60 can have a spring formedtherein, not shown, to provide some or all of the restoring forcedesired to bias the seal member 60 to the closed position. The springcan be formed from a metal such as steel, plastic, or any other suitablerigid or pliable material, and can form the core of the seal member 60such that the silicone rubber or other pliable sealing materialencapsulates the spring. In some embodiments, the seal member 60 can beconstructed just from a resilient or elastomeric material. Also by wayof example, seal member 60 may include a resilient main body portion anda separately formed resilient proximal end portion. The separate piecesmay be configured to engage each other, such as for example, by couplingto a guide member with a first end configured for attachment to theproximal end portion and a second end configured for attachment to themain body portion. The guide member may be manufactured from a morerigid material than used in either or both of the main body portion andthe proximal end portion.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2-5, the base 90 and the supportmember 94 of an embodiment of the connector 10 is shown. The base 90 canbe transparent and include a proximal portion 95 and a distal portion124. The proximal portion 95 can include a tip portion 92, a tip 110,and the elongate portion 118, which can include at least one radialopening 100. The distal end 124 can include the support member 94, ashroud 98, an annular protrusion 96, protrusions 112, an opening 114,and a male protrusion tip 116.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-section view of an embodiment of the base 90 takenthrough the axial centerline of the base 90. With reference to FIGS.2-5, in some embodiments, the base portion 90 can include the supportmember 94 having the elongate portion 118 projecting from the support 94in the proximal direction, and a shroud 98 projecting from the supportportion 94 in the distal direction. In some embodiments, one or more ofthese components of the illustrated base 90 can be omitted or replacedwith a different component. For example, a base 90 need not include asupport member 94 with an elongate portion 118.

In some embodiments, the one or more components of the illustrated base90 and support member 94 can be separately formed and attached to oneanother via an adhesive, sonic welding, snap fit, or other suitablecoupling manner, or any combination thereof. For example, thetransparent elongate portion 118 and the transparent support portion 94can be separately formed and attached by, for example, sonic welding.For example, the elongate portion 118 may be separately formed from thebase member 90, and the elongate portion 118 and/or any other portioncan be configured to move within the connector during use. For example,shroud 98 can be separately formed and later attached to base 90. Insome embodiments, the entire base 90 can be integrally formed as aone-piece unit, to include the elongate portion 118, the support member94, the shroud 98, and male protrusion tip 116.

In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one radial opening 100 isdisposed adjacent the tip portion 92, or the proximal end 95, and can bein fluid communication with the conduit 102, or fluid passageway,extending generally axially, or longitudinally, through the base 90 tothe distal opening 114. The conduit 102 can be defined by an innersurface 106 of the elongate portion 118. The radial opening can be alongitudinally oriented oval shape, or any other geometric shape in anyother direction, e.g. round, rectangular, square, or the like. In someembodiments, the tip portion 92 can include two radial openings 100disposed circumferentially substantially 180 degrees from one another.The fluid passageway 102 can extend through a substantial portion of theelongate portion 118, the support member 94, and the male tip protrusion116. In some embodiments, the opening can be disposed at the proximalend of the tip 110.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2-5, the elongate portion 118 can have a taperedouter surface 104 and the proximal tip portion 92 can establish theproximal end of the elongate portion. The elongate portion can beconfigured to receive the seal 60 over, or onto, the outer surface 104of the elongate portion 118. In some embodiments, the rigid support, orelongate portion 118 can be disposed substantially within the firstportion of the connector, or the body 20. The outer surface 104 can besubstantially smooth to provide for a slidable engagement with the innersurface of the seal 60 opening 82. In some embodiments, the outersurface 104 can include a roughened surface to provide selectivefriction for the sliding engagement between the outer surface 104 andthe inner diameter surface of the seal 60 and/or may be used to preventthe formation of a vacuum therebetween. The roughened surface can be anyform or shape coupled to, molded, formed, or machined into the outersurface 104, e.g. protruding knobs, full or portions of circumferentialrings, random divots, scored surfaces, wavy surfaces, or the like, orany combination thereof.

The elongate portion 118 can include a lubricant applied to the outersurface 104 to facilitate the sliding, or slidable, engagement with theinner diameter surfaces of the seal 60. The lubricant can provide for anease of sliding the seal proximal end 62 in a distal direction onto theexpanding diameter of the tapered geometry of the elongate portion 118.The lubricant can include any suitable lubricant, e.g. silicone, or thelike. In some embodiments, the roughened outer surface 104 can providecontrol, or resistance, to the lubricated sliding engagement between theouter surface 104 and inner diameter surface of the seal 60. Theresistance, or control, can prevent excessive compression or too rapidof a compression or expansion of the seal member 60 during functionaloperation, or connection of a medical implement to the connector 10.

The proximal tip portion 92 can have a generally tapered, or generallyconical, outer surface. In some embodiments, the tip portion 92 can begenerally cylindrical. The elongate portion 118 can be configured sothat the proximal tip portion 92 comprises a cross-sectional area thatis significantly less than the cross-sectional area of the supportportion 94. In some embodiments, the proximal tip portion 92 can beconfigured so that the proximal end portion 62 of the seal 60 can bedistally retracted (e.g., repositioned from the expanded or initialposition to the compressed position) relative to the proximal tipportion 92 of the support 94 without significant drag or resistance fromthe support member 94 or the elongate portion 118. In some embodiments,the proximal tip portion 92 has a sharp or rounded tip 110 configured topenetrate through the slit 70 formed in the seal 60 proximal flange face63. In some embodiments, the tip 110 is integrally formed with the tipportion 92 and the rest of the elongate portion 118. In someembodiments, the proximal end of the elongate portion 118 includes ahole positioned at its proximal tip and the passageway 102 may extendfrom the opening 114 to the opening at the tip. In some suchembodiments, it may be advantageous to include a seal 60 with an openingthat is molded in the open position to facilitate passage of the seal 60over the open tip 110.

In the assembled configuration, the seal 60 can be supported by thesupport 94 so that the elongate portion 118 is received within theopening 82 formed within the seal 60. The seal member 60 can thus besupported within the body member 20 and the base member 90. The body 20and the base 90 can be joined together to provide the rigid housing thatsubstantially encapsulates the seal 60 and the support 94 in theinternal cavity 42.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2-5, additional features of the bodymember 20 and the base member 90 will now be described. The supportportion 94 can have an outer annular wall 120 cooperating with thedistal end of the base 90 to form an annular channel 108. The channel108 can be configured to receive a portion of the seal distal end 78.The annular channel 108 can include a seal step 122 protrudingproximally from the distal surface of the channel 108 that is configuredto receive and engage the seal distal end 78. In some embodiments, thesupport portion 94 can be configured to secure the seal distal end 78relative to the support 94 so as to prevent the seal distal end 78 fromtranslating in a distal axial direction relative to the support portion94. For example, the seal distal end 78 can be sandwiched, encompassedbetween portions of the base 90 and the body 20. In some embodiments,the channel 108 can be configured to secure the seal distal end 78relative to the support portion 94 of the support member 94 so as toprevent the distal end portion 78 from translating in a radial directionrelative to the support portion 94. The seal 60 can be assembled withthe support 94 with or without adhering or otherwise fixing the sealdistal end 78 to the support portion 94, e.g. mechanically sandwichedbetween a protruding portion of the body 20 and the support portion 94,or the like. Indeed, in some embodiments, the distal end of the sealmember 60 can “float” in the internal cavity of the body member 20 andcan translate axially, or longitudinally, as the seal member 60 movesfrom a closed position to an open position. In some embodiments, thoughnot fixed to the support portion 94, the seal 60 may nevertheless remainrelatively still relative to the support portion 94 because it may beunder compression in both the open and closed positions.

The base 90 can have the male tip protrusion 116 projecting distallytherefrom. The male tip protrusion 116 distal end can define an opening114 through the male protrusion that can be in fluid communication withthe cavity 42 formed inside the body 20 and base 90. In someembodiments, as illustrated, the male tip protrusion 116 can besubstantially open to fluid communication in both the open and closedpositions of the valve. Additionally, a shroud 98 may include radiallyoutward protrusions or other features (not shown) thereon designed toenhance the grip of the connector 10 and internal threads 128 formed onan inside surface 130 of the shroud 98. The base member 90 can beconfigured to conform with ANSI standards for medical connectors.

As mentioned, the base 90, including the elongate member 118 and thesupport 94, can be formed from the same type of rigid materials as canbe used to form the body member 20. In some embodiments, for example,the base member 90 can be formed from a semi-rigid or even more flexiblematerial than used for the body member 20, or other components of theconnector 10. In some embodiments, the base 90 (and any other embodimentof a base or support member of any other connector disclosed herein) canbe formed integrally with the elongate member 118 and the support 94 (orany other embodiment of a base member of any other connector disclosedherein), or can be formed separately and thereafter joined with thesupport member or the elongate member 118. In addition, in someembodiments, portions of the base 90 may be formed integral with thebody 20. For example, the body 20 may include the shroud 98 and the base90 may fit substantially within the body 20.

The assembly of the connector 10 will now be described. In someembodiments, the connector 10 can be assembled by slidingly coupling theseal 60 onto the base 90 by inserting the proximal end, or tip portion92 end, of the elongate portion 118 into the seal distal opening 82 sothat the elongate portion 118 receives the seal 60. The support annularchannel 108 can receive the seal distal end 78, and the seal distal facecan engage the seal step 122. The elongate portion 118 or the innersurface of the seal opening 82, or both, can be coated with a lubricantprior to assembling the seal 60 onto the elongate portion 118 tofacilitate sliding engagement between one another. The seal proximal end62 and the elongate portion 118 can be inserted into the body 20 distalopening 30. The seal and elongate portion can proximally engage the bodycavity 42.

The seal 60 can be configured to have a minimal internal volume, or gap,between the elongate member proximal tip 92 and the seal proximal flangeface 63 in the assembled configuration. Particularly, the internalvolume adjacent the proximal end 62 can be minimized. The minimalinternal volume, or gap, can decrease the retrograde, or backflow,effects of syringe removal from the connector 10. The backflow effectcan occur because of the withdrawal of the volume of the elongateportion 118 tip 110 from the slit 70, whereby the fluid is drawn intothe volume previously occupied by the tip 110.

The body 20 and base 90 are lockingly engaged longitudinally, oraxially, by the body annular channel 38 receiving and engaging, in asnap fit type manner, the base annular protrusion 96. The body 20 andbase 90 are lockingly engaged circumferentially by the body channels 40receiving and engaging the base protrusions 112. The body member 20 andthe base member 90 can be further coupled together with adhesive,plastic or sonic or laser welds, snap, interference, or press-fitfeatures, or by using any other suitable coupling features or methods.In some embodiments, the body member 20 and the base member 90 can becoupled together using sonic welds having a substantially triangularshape, although other shapes may also be suitable.

Upon assembly of the connector 10, the seal 60 is in an extended, closedvalve position. In the extended position, the seal 60 is generally stillcompressed because of the retaining contact between the seal prongs 72and the body shoulder 36. In some embodiments, the seal 60 can be fullyexpanded when making contact with the shoulder 36 and having theproximal flange face flush to the body proximal face 34. The connector10 can include a flow path that enters at the body 20 proximal opening28 into the body cavity 42. Fluid flow proceeds from the cavity 42 intoand through the radial openings 100 disposed at the proximal tip portion92 of the elongate portion 118. In some embodiments, fluid does notenter the cavity 42 directly, as an inserted medical implement, such asa syringe, can directly and sealingly engage the seal proximal face 63,and distally depress the seal 60 proximal face to establish fluidcommunication with the radial opening 100 of the elongate member 118 andthe conduit 102. Thus, the fluid would flow from the syringe into theradial opening 100 and conduit 102. The internal blunt cannula, orelongate member 118, can create a unique dedicated internal fluid pathsuch that at no time can the body 20, the outer surface of the seal 60,or the outside of the syringe come in contact with the fluid or thefluid path. The sealing engagement between the syringe and the sealproximal flange face 63 defines a safe and effective microbial barrierthat reduces bacteria transfer into the fluid flow path. The sealingengagement can protect the vascular access device against intraluminalbacterial contamination.

The conduit 102 and seal 60 can combine to define an ultra low residualvolume, or deadspace, which provides several advantageous effects. Theultra low residual volume establishes a neutral displacement that caneliminate blood or fluid backflow into the catheter when the upstreammedical implement is disconnected from the connector. A saline flush canbe performed to provide for reuse following blood sampling oradministration of fluids with normal saline or in accordance withfacility protocol, facilitated by little or no blood backflow induced bythe connector. The neutral displacement also allows for effectiveflushing after using the connector with blood, to flush the blood out ofthe connector flow path in the conduit 102. Neutral displacement alsocan preclude the need for a clamping sequence of the conduit 212 thatenters the patient. Additionally, the lack of backflow can eliminate theeducational burden and risk of error for medical personnel. The minimalvolume to flush the connector to remove blood or medicament fluid fromthe from connector 10 can allow continued use of the connector 10without having to remove or replace the connector. This can reduce theamount of manipulation of the connector 10, where removal andreplacement of the connector 10 can increase the risk of bacterialcontamination.

The fluid can flow through the elongate portion 118, in conduit 102, tothe distal opening 114 of the male protrusion tip 116. The base 90distal end 124 can be coupled to a distal, or downstream, medicalimplement that is coupled to the luer fitting and threads 128 on theinside surface 130 of the shroud 98. Thus, the fluid can exit theconnector 10 at the distal opening 114 and continue into the downstream,or distal, medical implement. The substantially transparent body 20,seal 60, and elongate portion 118 can provide a substantially clear viewof the fluid flow within the connector 10 during medicament delivery orbodily fluid extraction. Visual awareness, or inspection, of potentialcontamination of the plurality of cavities in the connector 10 canreduce the risk of potential harm to the patient, e.g. bacterial growthor biofilm due to stagnant or residual fluid or the like, by promptingimmediate cleaning or flushing of the connector 10 or removal andreplacement of the connector 10. For example, the visual inspection canprevent catheter related bloodstream infections such as catheter sepsisthat can be caused by residual blood in the needlefree connector 10.

The connector 10 valve mechanism is closed when the seal 60 extendsproximally over, and encompasses, the elongate portion 118. In someembodiments, the inward bias of the adjacent edge surfaces of the sealslit 70 cause the edges surfaces to coapt and prevent fluid orparticulate access to the internal volume of the seal 60, and thus tothe fluid flow path of the radial openings 100. The valve mechanism ofthe connector 10 can be urged into an open position by distallydisplacing the seal 60 to slide in a distal direction. The proximal end,or first end, of the seal 60 can be positionable between a firstposition and a second position. The proximal portion, or first end, ofthe elongate portion 118, can be disposed substantially within theproximal end of the seal 60 when the seal is in the first position. Theelongate portion 118 can protrude through the seal slit 70 as the sealproximal end 63 moves distal of the tip portion 92. Upon such distalmovement, the proximal portion, or first end, of the elongate portion118 can be disposed substantially outside of the proximal end of theseal 60 when the seal is in the second position. The fluid flow path isopen when the seal proximal face 63 material, and the slit 70, havemoved distally past the radial openings 100 to expose the radialopenings 100 to the internal surface of the syringe. The radial openings100, or apertures, facilitate fluid communication to the fluid flow pathwhen the valve is in the second position. When the syringe distallyurging implement, or force, is relieved from the seal 60, the resilientbias of the seal extends, or decompresses, or expands, the seal to anincreased longitudinal length whereby the seal slit 70, or septum,encompasses the radial opening 100 and the tip portion 92 to close theconnector 10 valve mechanism.

Some embodiments of the connector 10 can be formed so that there is verylittle dead space volume, or a neutral displacement as discussed above,within the connector 10 as compared to the volume range of a typicalbolus of fluid administered to a target patient population. Thus, thevolume of fluid entering into the connector 10 can be substantiallyequivalent to the volume of fluid leaving the connector 10. Further, thetotal equivalent fluid volume of the connector 10 can be very small,e.g. 0.02 cc, 0.04 cc, or the like, such that the volume of fluidflowing through the system in order to place the valve in fluidcommunication with a medical implement such as a syringe can be veryclose or equal to zero. A small volume of dead space within the fluidflow path reduces, or mitigates, the vacuum effect that generatesnegative flow when the syringe is removed from the connector 10. Thevolume of dead space can be limited to the air gap in the inner volumeof the proximal end 62 of the seal 60. The small volume between the tip110 and the seal proximal face 63 advantageously can create minimal, ifany at all, negative flow effects from the catheter into the distal endof the connector 10.

In some embodiments, the support member may be substantially shorter,such that it does not extend into, through and/or near the proximal endof the seal. In some embodiments of the connector 10, there is nosupport member at all. A seal member can be configured to open without apenetrating support member or without a support member at all, such aswhen a seal member is made in a naturally open position that is forcedto close by a smaller-diameter housing, or when a seal member isattached to the proximal region of the housing, etc. Alternatively, thesupport member may not be rigidly fixed in the housing. Rather, it maybe held in the housing via a resilient seal and may translatelongitudinally upon insertion of a medical device into the proximal end.

With reference to the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 6-10, theoperation of an example of connector 10 will now be described. FIG. 6illustrates the position of the components comprising the connector 10when the seal member 60 is biased in the closed position, e.g., before asyringe or other medical implement has been joined with, or insertedinto, the connector 10.

FIG. 6 is a section view of the embodiment of the connector 10 shown inFIG. 2A, showing the seal member 60 in a first or closed position, e.g.,before the seal member 60 has been contacted and opened by insertion ofa luer, such as a luer on a syringe 200. FIG. 7 is a section view of theembodiment of the connector 10 shown in FIG. 2A, showing the seal member60 in a second or open position, e.g., after the seal member 60 proximalface 63 has been contacted and opened by insertion of a luer, such as aluer on the syringe 200. The syringe cannula 204 can engage the sealproximal face 63 and establish a fluid-tight seal between the cannulaand the seal proximal face 63, such that all the fluid from the syringetransfers to the elongate portion 118 fluid conduit 102. In this manner,the fluid remains in the flow path of the conduit 102 and can stay outof the cavity 42, or the volume between the seal 60 outer surface andthe body inner surface 44. In progressing between the closed and openedpositions, the seal member 60 can be configured to move under a distallydirected load on the seal proximal end 63, such as by pressing thesyringe distally against the seal 60. The syringe 200 is distally urgedwith suitable force to overcome the bias resiliency of the seal 60. Insome embodiments, as illustrated, the seal member 60 can be compressedin the open position and expanded or allowed to return to its initialposition in the closed position. In some embodiments, the seal member 60has a smaller longitudinal length in the open position than in theclosed position. Many other types of seal members can be used to openand close the fluid passage within the connector in many different ways.The seal member 60 can be positioned within the connector 10 so that aproximal end surface 63 of the seal member 60 is generally flush orgenerally even with a proximal end opening of the connector 10 to permiteffective antiseptic wiping across the proximal end surface 63.

The syringe 200 illustrated in FIGS. 6-10 is an example of one type ofmedical implement that can be used with the connector 10. However, theconnector 10 can be configured for use with a wide range of medicalimplements and is not limited to use with the example of the syringe 200illustrated. The syringe 200 can be any suitable or common medicalsyringe used in the medical field. As illustrated, the syringe 200 canhave a cylindrical body portion 206 defining an opening therein, ahollow cannula 204 projecting from the body portion 206, and a plunger202 configured to be received and axially translate within the openingformed in the body portion 206. The plunger 202 can have an elastomericor rubber seal 208 supported on the end of the plunger 202. As iscommonly done with such medical syringes, fluid can be expelled from thesyringe 200 by forcing the plunger 202 toward the bottom surface 211 ofthe body portion 206, thus causing the fluid to exit through the hollowcannula 204. In this manner, the fluid is typically expelled from thesyringe 200 until the rubber seal 208 of the plunger 202 reaches thebottom surface 211 of the syringe 200.

In order to inject all or substantially all of the fluid held within thesyringe 200 into the patient's vasculature, a caregiver or automatedmachine will typically depress the plunger 202 of the syringe 200 orother mechanism all the way into the body member 206 until the plunger202 and the rubber seal 208 bottoms out against the bottom surface 211of the syringe 200, which can cause the typically resilient rubber seal208 to be compressed between the generally rigid plunger 202 and thebottom surface 211 of the syringe. When this occurs, the seal 208 on theend of the plunger 202, which is typically made from a rubber or otherresilient material, can rebound when the force exerted by a caregiver onthe plunger 202 is removed.

FIG. 7 illustrates the seal member 60 in an open position in response tothe insertion of the syringe 200 being joined with the connector 10. Asillustrated in FIG. 7, the luer or cannula 204 of the syringe 200 orother medical implement has been pushed distally against the seal member60 with sufficient force to overcome the bias of the seal member 60 soas to cause the seal member 60 to compress or otherwise move within thebody member 20. The seal member 60 is moved distally and the elongateportion tip 110, and tip portion 92 penetrates, opens and separates thecoapted edges of the slit 70. When the seal member 60 is compressedwithin the body member 20 to a sufficient distance such that theproximal end surface 63 of the seal member 60 has moved distal of theradial openings 100 formed in the elongate portion 118 of the base 90,the opening 114 and/or the conduit or passageway 102 is in fluidcommunication with the inside of the syringe 200.

The force that the cannula 204 exerts on the end surface 63 of the sealmember 60 can be sufficient to cause a substantially fluid-tight sealbetween the cannula 204 and the seal member 60 end surface 63, so thatall or substantially all of the fluid within the syringe 200 is causedto flow into the opening 100 when the syringe 200 is joined with theconnector 10 in this compressed seal 60 manner. In some embodiments, theelongate member 118 does not pierce or penetrate the seal 60. Forexample, in some embodiments, the elongate portion 118 comes into closeproximity with (e.g., in contact with, adjacent to, or positioned verynear) the interior surface of the top of the seal member when theconnector 10 is opened without entering or going through the slit 70 ofthe seal 60. In some embodiments, the seal member 60 can be configuredto have a naturally open position, without requiring the elongateportion 10 to open the seal member 60.

Thus, when the seal member 60 is in the open position, as illustrated inFIG. 7, the plunger 202 of the syringe 200 can be depressed so as toforce fluid into the connector 10. In some embodiments, when fluid isforced from the syringe 200, fluid can flow into the opening or openings100 formed in the elongate portion 118 of the base 90, through thepassageway 102, and through the opening 114 formed in the base 90. Asdiscussed, when the syringe 200 or other medical implement is removedfrom connector 10, the connector 10 can be configured such that the sealmember 60 can return to the closed position due to the bias force withinthe seal member 60.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 7A, the transparent feature of theopen valve configuration of FIG. 7 is shown. The syringe 200, seal 60,elongate portion 118, and the fluid medicament are visible through thetransparent wall of each component. The transparent body 20advantageously provides a substantially clear visual observation of theregions within the connector 10 where the fluid medicament or bodilyfluid flows during use. The syringe cannula 204 generally willself-align in the neck 32 portion of the body 20 proximal end, and makeflat and even sealing engagement with the seal proximal face 63.

Medical personnel periodically flush connectors and intravenous tubingwith saline, especially after administration of medications and drawingof blood. The saline flush serves to ensure that the full dose ofmedication is given to the patient and that there is also no residualblood left in the tubing or connector. Residual blood in the connectormay clot and/or become a source of bacterial contamination. Because aconnector is used to introduce fluids intravenously, contamination canbe introduced to the patient rapidly causing systemic infection. Thusfurther advantages of a transparent connector 10 include enablingmedical personnel to detect subtle changes in the appearance of thesaline left in the intravenous line such as blood clots, as well asturbidity or cloudiness which may be an indication of connectorcontamination. A connector leak may go undetected if the leak is in anon-transparent region of the connector 10. Embodiments of the connector10 described herein have the added advantage of exposing all connectorcomponents to visual inspection, thus assuring medical personnel thatthe connector 10 is functioning correctly at all times. The transparentconnector 10 also allows medical personnel to readily assess theefficacy of the flush because residual fluid that remains in theconnector can be clearly visible. In some embodiments, the body 20material can include components that magnify the flow path region, whichmakes the flow path visual appearance larger and readily visible.

In the event that even sealing engagement is not made between thesyringe 200 and the seal 60, fluid may spread into the body cavity 42,or between the seal 60 and the inner portion 118, rather than flowingdirectly from the syringe into the elongate portion 118 radial openings100. Medical personnel administering the medicament can immediatelyobserve the leaking fluid and address the leak by, for example, stoppingthe medicament administration, and/or by cleaning, flushing or removingand replacing the connector 10 after the medicament is administered. Theability to monitor the fluid levels and location provides a real-timeassessment of the effectiveness and non-leak success of the fluidtransfer. Knowledge of whether any of the transfer fluid either remainsin the fluid conduit or has escaped from the primary internal fluidconduit allows timely flushing and/or replacement of a connector that iscontaminated, or at high risk of contamination due to undesirableresidual fluids. The ability to quickly respond to fluid in thegenerally non-fluid flow cavities reduces the potential risks to thepatient due to fouled lines, conduits, medical connectors, or othermedical implements.

FIG. 8 is a section view of the embodiment of the connector 10 shown inFIG. 2A, showing the seal member 60 in an open position and the plunger202 of the syringe 200 compressed against the bottom surface 211 of thesyringe 200. As illustrated in FIG. 8, medical personnel that administerthe fluid in the syringe 200 to a patient typically depress the plunger202 against the bottom surface 211 of the syringe so as to expelsubstantially all of the fluid from the syringe into the connector,causing the commonly resilient seal 208 on the end of the plunger 202 tocompress between the substantially rigid plunger 202 and thesubstantially rigid bottom surface 211 of the syringe.

In this position, when the plunger 202 has been completely depressedrelative to the syringe 200 such that no additional fluid is beingforced from the syringe 200, the fluid flow within the syringe 200 and,hence, the connector 10, stops. FIG. 9 is a section view of theembodiment of the connector 10 shown in FIG. 2A, showing the seal member60 in an open position and the syringe 200 after the syringe plunger 202has rebounded away from the bottom surface 211 of the syringe 200. Afterthe rubber seal 208 on the end of the plunger 202 has been depressedagainst the bottom surface 211 of the syringe 200 such thatsubstantially all of the fluid has been expelled from the syringe 200and the caregiver releases the plunger 202, the resilient seal 208 onthe end of the plunger 202 typically causes the plunger 202 to reboundaway (as illustrated) or expand upward from the bottom surface 211 ofthe syringe. When this occurs, a volume of space is created between theseal 208 and the bottom surface 211 of the syringe 200, causing a vacuumto be created in the syringe 200.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 10, the connector 10 is shownafter the syringe 200 is removed from the connector. After the desiredamount of fluid has been dispensed from the syringe 200 or other medicalimplement, the syringe 200 or other medical implement can be removedfrom the connector 10. When the syringe 200 or other medical implementis removed from connector 10, the connector 10 can be configured suchthat the seal member 60 can return to the closed position due to thebias force within the seal member 60. This reversibility of the sealmember 60 makes the connector 10 particularly attractive as a connectorvalve to provide fluid communication between two fluid lines. Since theconnector 10 can be sealed closed and can be disinfected, varioussyringes or medical implements can be easily joined with the connector10 multiple times without requiring removal of the connector 10 fromcommunication with the patient's vasculature. Fluid can be present inthe small volume of the seal proximal end 62, positioned proximal to theelongate portion 118, as well as in the internal volume of the elongateportion 118.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 10A, the transparent feature ofthe connector 10 of FIG. 10 is shown. The transparent body 20, seal 60,and elongate portion 118 provide a substantially clear visualrepresentation of where the medicament fluid which exited the syringe200, or medical implement, has dispersed within the cavity 42, and/orthe seal 60, and/or the elongate portion 118 and fluid conduit 102 ofthe base 90. Fluid observed in the cavity 42, between the seal 60 andthe inner surface 44 of the body 20, can indicate a lack of sealingbetween the syringe 200 and the seal proximal face 63, and can generallyresult in cleaning/flushing the cavity 42 in accordance with facilityprotocol or replacement of the connector 10.

In the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 11-19A, another embodiment of avalve or needleless connector 210 is shown. In some embodiments, theconnector 210 can have any of the features or other details orconfigurations of any other connector described herein, including butnot limited to connector 10. Throughout the drawings, reference numberscan be re-used to indicate correspondence between referenced elements.Like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similarfeatures. Similarly, corresponding features can be identified bycommonality of the last two digits of the reference numbers, e.g.connectors 10 and 210 can have similar features.

With reference to FIGS. 11-19A, in some embodiments, the connector 210can comprise a body member 220, a seal member 260, and a base member290. The connector 210 can further include a support member 294 that isindependent of the base 290, and a second valve member 350. The supportmember 294 is not integrally coupled and does not form a part thereof ofthe base 290. The second valve, or regulator 350, can be operative as avalve mechanism configured to achieve negative flow compensation effectsto prevent fluid backflow from conduit 212 and stop fluid from beingdrawn back into the connector 210.

As similarly described above, the body member 220 can include a proximalend 222, a distal end 224, external threads 226, a proximal opening 228,and a distal opening 330. The body 220 can further include a neck 232, ashoulder 236, an annular channel 238, an internal surface 244, an outersurface 246, and a distal flange 252. These body 220 features includesimilar characteristics to the features described herein with respect tobody 20. The seal member 260 correspondingly has characteristics similarto seal 60 described herein, such as a proximal end 262, flange face263, lip 266, slit 270, prongs 272, flange 274, convolutes 280, distalopening 282, and middle portion 284.

As similarly described above, the body member 220 and the base member290 can be joined together to provide a rigid housing that substantiallyencapsulates the seal member 260, the support member 294, and theregulator 350. The body member 220 and the base member 290 can be joinedtogether using any suitable method or features, including but notlimited to the methods or features described elsewhere herein forjoining the body member 20 with the base member 90. The body 220, theseal 260, the support 294, the elongate portion 318, and the base 290can be comprised of transparent material that provides a substantiallyclear view through the walls of each component of the connector 210. Thetip portion 292 can be transparent through the outer surface 304 and theinner surface 306 such that an internal fluid disposed within the tipportion is visible. The transparent characteristics of the body 220, theseal 260, and elongate portion 318 provide a direct and substantiallyclear optical visual, or view, of the medicament fluid flow from amedical implement through the connector 210. Medical personnel canobserve a medicament administered to a patient with optical clarity andreadily determine issues or risks encountered due to fluid leakage pastseal 260, backflow into the connector 210, blocked flow, orcontamination in the connector.

FIGS. 11-13 are assembled and exploded perspective views of anembodiment of the connector 210. FIG. 14 is a section view of theconnector 210 shown in FIGS. 11-13, taken through the axial centerlineof the connector. FIGS. 15-19 illustrate a method of using the connector210. The regulator 350, the support 294, and the base 290 are describedin detail below.

As illustrated in FIGS. 12-14, the regulator 350 can have a body portion352, a proximal end 354, a lip 355, an opening 356, a valve 358, and atleast one slit 360. In some embodiments, the body portion 352 can begenerally cylindrically shaped, the lip 355 can be an annular raisedportion on the proximal end 354, and include the opening 356 extendingtherethrough. The regulator 350 can be configured to control fluid flowthrough and/or within the connector 210. The regulator 350 can provide avariable-volume or dynamic regulator portion wherein the body 352 hasthin, flexible, compliant side walls that can be highly responsive tofluid pressure changes. In some embodiments, the thin side wall can besubstantially thinner than the side wall of at least a portion of, orvirtually the entire, side wall of the seal member 260 to enable theregulator 350 to be highly responsive to fluid pressure changes.

The regulator 350 can include the valve 358 that is defined by the slit360 disposed on the dome shaped, or arcuate, geometry of the regulatordistal end. The valve 358 regulates fluid flow through the connector 210male tip protrusion 316 and the radial opening 300. The slits 360 caninclude one or a plurality of apertures through the regulator 350 distalend, and can be in any general arrangement, e.g. crossed, triangular,centered, offset, or the like. The slits 360 can be biased toward oneanother in a closed configuration that prevents fluid flow through theconnector. The slits 360 can be configured to open and allow flow onlyafter a predetermined selective pressure differential threshold isattained between the regulator body 352 interior volume and the distalpressure in the connector base 290 or the conduit 212. The slits 360have a higher resistance to deflection induced by pressure differentialsacross the regulator distal wall thickness than the thin walled portionof the regulator body 352.

The regulator 350 can compensate for negative flow effects, e.g. duringsyringe removal from the connector, or syringe seal springback. The thinwalls of the regulator body 352 can deflect radially inward when theproximally directed vacuum pressure effect occurs. The slits 360 can beconfigured to not deflect or only minimally deflect under the samepressure effect. In this way, the thin walls of body 352 deflect andcompensate and absorb the pressure differential while the fluiddownstream of, or distal to, the regulator slits 360 experiences littleor none of the pressure effects that can draw fluid into the connector210 or from the patient into the conduit 212. The slits 360 can deflectwhen a sufficient pressure differential exists and proximally directedfluid flow is intended, such as when blood is drawn from the patient.The slits 360 can also be configured to provide a greater resistance toproximally directed flow, and a lesser resistance to distally directedflow. The lesser distal flow resistance provides ease of delivery ofmedicament from a syringe through the connector 210 to the patient.

The regulator 350 or any other embodiment of a regulator, valve, orvalve member disclosed herein and any of the components or featuresthereof can be constructed from a number of different materials,including silicone-based deformable materials, rubbers, or othersuitable materials. Silicone-based deformable materials are among thosethat form fluid-tight closures with plastics and other rigid polymericor metallic materials. In some embodiments, the regulator 350 can beflexible, elastomeric, and/or resilient. In some embodiments, theregulator 350 can be made from the same material as the seal member 260.

The support 294 includes some features that are similar to base 90described above. These features include an elongate portion 318, a tipportion 292, a tip 310, a radial opening 300, and an annulus 308. Thesupport 294 differs in that the support is not integrally formed withthe base 290, and includes a distal portion 340 configured to engage thesecond valve, or regulator 350.

The support 294 distal portion 340 can extend distally from a sealsupport wall 320. The distal portion 340 can include a hollow interiorthat forms a part of the conduit 302 of the elongate portion 318, andextends to a distal opening 349. The distal portion 340 can include twoaxially spaced radially outward directed annular protrusions 344, 346,and at least one opening 342 generally positioned between the wall 320and the protrusion 344. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 11-19A,two radially opposed openings 342 are shown.

The support 294 distal portion 340 is configured to be received in theinterior volume of the regulator 350 through the regulator opening 356.A volume 343 is defined between the outer surface of the distal portion340 and the inner surface of the regulator 350. The volume 343 providesthe space for the regulator body 352 thin walls to deflect radiallyinward when a pressure differential inducing event occurs. Additionaldetails of the negative pressure compensation support 294 and regulator350 are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/730,074, whichis hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, a diverter 341, or ball, can be disposed within oradjacent the conduit 302 flow path. The diverter 341 is positioned inthe flow path and redirects the moving fluid into and toward the volume343 to preclude stagnant fluid in the volume 343. Thus, the fluid goesaround the diverter 341, entering the volume 343 at a first axialposition of the diverter 341 and then re-entering the flow path conduit302 at a second axial position of the diverter 341. In some embodiments,the diverter 341 can have a variety of diameters, e.g. smaller than, thesame as, or greater than the inner diameter of the flow path 302. Asshown, the diverter 341 is greater in diameter than the flow path 302and thus is frictionally retained within the openings 342 and conduit302 inner diameter walls. The diverter 341 can be formed from agenerally rigid material such as nylon, or a semi-rigid or flexiblematerial, or any other suitable material, e.g. the same material as thesupport member 294, or the like. In some embodiments, the flow divertercan have any geometric shape, e.g. rounded, smooth, curved, oval,square, rectangular, triangular, or polygonal, or the like. In someembodiments, the conduit 302 can include a groove or other geometricshape to receive the diverter 341.

In some embodiments, the fluid diverter can interrupt the substantiallylinear or laminar flow path of fluid between the proximal and distalends that can otherwise occur inside of the support member 294 and canincrease the lateral fluid flow through the volume 343, therebypreventing or diminishing fluid stagnation in the volume 343. In someembodiments, the increased fluid flow through the volume 343 can preventor diminish the risk of clotting (in the event that blood is transportedthrough the connector 210), bacteria development, or other adverseaffects that can result from stagnant fluid inside the connector 210.

The base 290 includes some features that are similar to base 90described above. These features include protrusions 312, a shroud 298,internal threads 328, a male tip protrusion 316, a distal end 324, adistal face 326, and an opening 314. The base 290 differs in that thebase is not integrally formed with the support 294, and includes acavity 331 defined by inside surface 330 of wall 332 and configured toencompass the second valve, or regulator 350. The base 290 can includeone or more openings 334 that can be formed through a portion of thebase member 290 to provide an airway between the ambient atmosphere andthe outside surface of the body portion 352 of the regulator 350. Thebase 290 can further include a circumferential slot or groove 329extending around or substantially around the outer surface of the basemember 290 to provide an area of traction to be grasped by an operator.Such a groove also permits a more uniform wall thickness in the area ofthe base member 290 to enhance the efficiency of manufacture and thetransparent characteristics of the connector 210.

With reference to FIGS. 15-19, the operation of an embodiment ofconnector 210 is illustrated in a manner similar to FIGS. 6-10A and theconnector 10. FIG. 15 illustrates the position of the componentscomprising the connector 210 when the seal member 260 is biased in theclosed position, e.g., before a syringe or other medical implement hasbeen joined with, or inserted into, the connector 210. FIGS. 18 and 19illustrate the thin walls of the regulator 350 deflecting radiallyinward within the volume 343 under the vacuum pressure effect resultingfrom the springback of the syringe 200 rubber seal 208. The thin wallsdeflect to absorb the pressure differential, insulating the fluid on thedistal side of the slits 360 from the resultant vacuum.

With reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, embodiments of the connector 210 areshown having various features of the distal end of the connector made ofopaque material. FIG. 20 shows the regulator 350 with an opaque materialsuch that the internal fluid is not visible. FIG. 21 shows the base 290having an opaque material such that all of the internal features andfluid are not visible from the external side or surface of the connector210 at the base 290. The base 290 and/or the regulator 350 can be anopaque material to prevent the fluid flow path within the volume 343from being visible to the practitioner and avoid confusion that mightresult from misinterpretation of the fluid presence in the volume 343.The fluid can be intended to be present in the volume 343 to absorb anddampen pressure differential and prevent backflow conditions into theconnector 210, and not necessarily an indicator of fluid leak orconnector 210 malfunction. Nevertheless, fluid is visible through asubstantial portion of the connector with this opaque feature. In someembodiments, a rigid internal flow path is visible through a substantialportion of the connector, and in particular in the central portion ofthe connector wherein the walls are configured to permit a relativelyclear view of the internal flow path.

Although some specific examples have been provided herein, it should beunderstood that a transparent connector and/or backflow resistancemodule can be incorporated into many other types of medical implementsand/or connectors than those specifically disclosed herein. For example,a backflow resistance module can be incorporated into a y-siteconnector, or into a connector providing access to an IV bag or othermedication container, or into a catheter line.

Any features of the embodiments shown and/or described in the figuresthat have not been expressly described in this text, such as distances,proportions of components, etc. are also intended to form part of thisdisclosure. Additionally, although these inventions have been disclosedin the context of various embodiments, features, aspects, and examples,it will be understood by those skilled in the art that embodiments ofthe present invention extend beyond the specifically disclosedembodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of theinvention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof.Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspectsof the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for,one another in order to perform varying modes of the disclosedinventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present inventiondisclosed herein should not be limited by the particular disclosedembodiments described herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A medical connector for use in a fluid pathway,the connector comprising: a housing having a proximal region with aproximal opening and a distal region with a distal opening, and ahousing cavity extending between the proximal and distal openings, thehousing being transparent in that at least a portion of the housingcavity is visible through the housing; a valve member having an interiorvalve cavity, the valve member being disposed within the housing cavityand being transparent in that at least a portion of the interior valvecavity is visible through the valve member, and the valve member havinga proximal opening that is biased closed to obstruct fluid flow throughthe proximal opening, wherein the valve member is configured toselectively obstruct fluid communication between the housing proximalopening and the interior valve cavity when the valve member is providedin a first position and to permit fluid communication between thehousing proximal opening and the interior valve cavity when the valvemember is in a second position; and a support member fixed relative tothe housing, the support member comprising an elongate portionpositioned in the interior valve cavity, the support member having aninner conduit that extends from adjacent a proximal tip portion to adistal region of the support member, the support member having at leastone opening that extends through the support member to the innerconduit, and the support member being transparent in that at least aportion of the inner conduit is visible through the support member,wherein the fluid communication between the housing proximal opening andthe interior valve cavity is permitted in the second position when theproximal tip portion and the at least one opening of the support memberprotrude through the valve proximal opening; and wherein at least aportion of the inner conduit is visible through at least a portion ofeach of the housing, the valve member, and the support member.
 2. Themedical connector of claim 1, wherein the valve member sealingly engagesinternal surfaces of the housing cavity.
 3. The medical connector ofclaim 1, wherein the valve member obstructs entry of contamination intothe housing cavity.
 4. The medical connector of claim 1, wherein thevalve member further comprises a radially outwardly extendingprotrusion.
 5. The medical connector of claim 1, wherein the housingcomprises a body and a base, and a portion of the body overlaps aportion of the base.
 6. The medical connector of claim 5, wherein thebase is transparent such that at least a portion of an interior of thebase is visible through the base.
 7. The medical connector of claim 5,wherein the body is transparent such that at least a portion of aninterior of the body is visible through the body.
 8. The medicalconnector of claim 1, comprising a second valve member positionedbetween the proximal tip portion of the support member and a distal endof the housing.
 9. The medical connector of claim 8, wherein the secondvalve member is substantially transparent.
 10. The medical connector ofclaim 8, wherein the housing comprises a base and a body that overlapsat least a portion of the base, and wherein the second valve member ispositioned at least partially within the base.